Michael Carrick's demanding training sessions have left Manchester United players 'blown away' - a stark contrast to Roy Keane's visit when he wasn't impressed with one player who looked disinterested
Tom Victor Senior Sports Journalist and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
09:17, 04 Mar 2026Updated 09:19, 04 Mar 2026
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on January 14, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick has addressed one area in training(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has wasted little time making his mark as Manchester United's interim boss.
The current landscape bears no resemblance to the troubled times facing the club back in 2019 when former skipper Roy Keane made a quiet appearance. During that period, Keane's ex-teammate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge.
The Norwegian had overseen a notable upturn in results following Jose Mourinho's mid-season departure in 2018/19, yet recent reports suggest Carrick has accomplished far more in rekindling hope at Old Trafford both on and off the field.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United (C) celebrates with Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United (R) and Matheus Cunha of Manchester United (L) during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on March 1, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom
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Man Utd have had an upturn in form(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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"As you'd imagine, Roy has strong views on what it takes to be a proper United player, and he gave it to them straight," a source revealed to The Mirror at the time. Whilst performances may have been improving then, certain matters still troubled Keane.
"He wasn't impressed with one player who didn't seem to be all that interested and looked as if he'd rather be somewhere else. But for the majority, it was a fascinating snapshot into the hunger and desire that drove Roy during his time at the club."
Carrick has supervised a transformation on the field, with a shift away from Ruben Amorim's three-at-the-back system being the most apparent change, though the more substantial modifications have taken place behind the scenes, reports the Mirror.
Roy Keane.
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Roy Keane was left livid (Image: PA)
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According to The Telegraph, among the major changes introduced by Carrick is the implementation of shorter but more intensive training sessions. These, the publication reports, have left some 'blown away', with the effects being felt in such a brief period.
Carrick has also shown a willingness to bring in experienced coaches who aren't afraid to confront him.
Whilst Keane hasn't been brought in - despite some calls for his return to Old Trafford following Amorim's departure - individuals like Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate are seen as more willing to challenge the manager than Amorim's less seasoned coaches.
"I can't be right the whole time – it's impossible. That's why we've got a group of six in our office," Carrick recently told the BBC. "We've all got strong opinions, but we all filter it and it's important we have a connection and understanding of what direction we want to go in."
Moreover, team meetings are said to - for the most part, anyway - last no longer than 15 minutes.
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With many elements of the players' daily routine taking less time, they can complete compulsory work by 12.30pm, whilst there has also been a greater emphasis on individual work in a manner which wasn't prevalent under Amorim.
It's yet to be determined whether the strategy can maintain its success next season if Carrick secures the role permanently and United have the added burden of European competition.
For now, though, it's working for United's squad and their quieter schedule and it appears as though a significant amount has changed since Keane's visit some seven years ago.